Inspired By: The Little Mermaid

It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes during my regular browsing of my favourite online retailers I get inspired to put together a little dream outfit. This is what happened the other day when I happened across three pieces that instantly made me think back to one of my favourite Disney films- The Little Mermaid.

PicMonkey Collage

Dress: Chi Chi | Bracelet: Jr. Dunn | Shoes: Ted Baker @ Sarenza
The dress is very aptly named Ariel which triggered the whole thought process in the first place. It’s been a while since I had a good look at Chi Chi and they have some rather spectacular new arrivals right now.
Talking of spectacular how stunning is this bracelet? The colours reminded me of being near the sea whilst the gold setting, along with the shoes reminded me of Ariel’s love of all things sparkly.
Do you ever get randomly inspired like this? I’d love to know what triggered off your latest creation.

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Fighting Fit with Sweaty Betty

I’m really excited to be able to start getting fit again, after years of being too unwell to exercise followed by a broken foot and dodgy back I’m itching to get back out there. Part of the recovery from my surgery involves exercise, to strengthen my core muscles to help reduce the risk of the problem happening again and again.

My consultant recommended two main exercises to me- pilates and cycling and these are the two I’m going to pursue the most, but it time I plan to add in some yoga, gentle jogging and well, whatever else takes my fancy! I already walk everywhere which is a start, I suppose, after a few weeks off my feet.

Anyway, with new exercise adventures comes a need for new exercise gear and my shop of choice for this is Sweaty Betty, especially for the cycling and pilates.

I’ve put together a little wishlist of the kit I’d buy if I had an endless budget. As it stands, I don’t and I’ll probably be making do with a decent sports bra as a starting point, like the Upbeat Padded Bra featured above.

For cycling I’m thinking that a decent, streamlined top (I’ve picked the acceleration cycle top) plus waterproof trousers and a jacket are pretty sensible. I never used to believe in waterproofs…as a care free teenage cylist I didn’’t much care if I got soaked to the skin but these days I guess I’ve grown up and I really don’t fancy getting to my destination resembling a drowned rat.

Pilates wise you can’t go wrong with some comfortable leggings and a pretty camisole. Again, I must be growing up as I used to rock up at the gym wearing whatever I found that look vaguely suitable. I currently have my eye on the fabulously patterned Chandrasana leggings and this shell pink yoga cami.

I can’t wait to get back out there, I just need to start working on building up the perfect kit, and with a Birthday coming up in a couple of months I’ll be starting with Sweaty Betty.

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Put a Ring on It

I do love me a statement ring. I’m in the process of shopping (well, window shopping) for new ones as most of mine were bought whilst I was underweight and my fingers have obviously grown. During this search I stumbled upon NOWSEEN, a relatively new online jewellery retailer and their stunning selection of finger bling.
As seen at Proenza Schouler at NYFW the statement ring is going nowhere fast and it’s brilliant to be able to get hold of some at a non-designer price. Most of the rings pictured above are from the Magma collection and cost £30 which was a surprise to me as they look far more expensive! My personal favourite a sterling silver ring with lemon quartz but each one is stunning and I am thinking that perhaps come April a few of these (as well as a couple more pieces from the site) will be making their way on to my birthday list.
I don’t know why I’ve suddenly become more involved with jewellery but I think I may have found my little niche for my blog. I’m still a tights loving shoe hoader who has far too many clothes, but jewellery…it’s just got me.
Which ring would you go for?

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Gimme Sugar

I’m quite amazed that I haven’t featured Sugarhill Boutique on the blog before. I’ve loved the brand for ages now and each season I find myself swooning over their gorgeous, whimsical designs. I’m also yet to own a piece by them, and I’m forever envious of the bloggers I see who look frankly stunning in their purchases. One day I’ll take the plunge…When I’m not on sick leave, when I’m not obsessively controlling over my finances (working on it!), when I feel I deserve it.

Anyway, I digress; Sugarhill’s latest drop of dresses just had to be featured. Every single one of the designs made me think “I want that” and “I can see me wearing that”. Without hesitation I’ll say my favourite piece is the Bike Stripe Smock Dress I’ve had a strange affection for bicycles since meeting my boyfriend, an avid cyclist and I hope to be back on my bike before too long- when I was younger I was barely off it!

I’m a sucker for animal prints and I think the duckies dress is adorable and the “picture perfect” camera print one will appeal to many a blogger. Guitars may not be the obvious choice for an item of clothing but I love this dress too and it is the second item on my longer than ever Sugarhill Boutique wishlist.

Folks who own some Sugarhill goodness, talk to me of fit and length. Which designs are your favourites?

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Pretty in Pink with Matalan

Trust me when I say pink is going to be everywhere for Spring/Summer. The girly girl in me is delighted about this and I want to break free of the monochrome and fill my wardrobe with all things rose tinted. I can’t actually afford to do this, in reality, but looking at the new arrivals to Matalan it looks like I might be able to afford a few key pieces.
I love this pale pink graphic blouse, £12. It’s a lovely piece that could be worn for work and play. I’m thinking it’d look pretty cool worn under a denim pinafore dress. Worn with a black pencil skirt and some killer heels it’d be a fierce addition to the workplace as well.
The bomber jacket has been on my radar since Matalan first tweeted about it. I have a voucher burning a hole in my pocket and this is the intended target. It costs £18 and I will live in it all spring. My lightweight jacket from the last couple of years has just about had it’s day so this will be a timely replacement. Absolutely love it.
I’m not usually one for high necks but this top, £10 is almost swaying me. I’m thinking it could be slung on with some slim fit or boyfriend jeans (I’ve turned against skinnies at the moment) or dressed up with some statement accessories for an evening out.
I’ve also seen a preview of THE most gorgeous gingham skirt which I don’t yet have an image for. As soon as I’m back earning after my sick leave, at the bargain price of £16 it will also be mine.
You can really rely on Matalan for on trend, affordable pieces these days. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- this shop has really upped their game!
What trends are you most looking forward to?

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